John Bidwell
| John Bidwell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 3rd district | |
|
In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867 |
|
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | James A. Johnson |
| Member of the California Senate from the Sacramento District | |
|
In office 1849–1851 |
|
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Alonzo W. Adams |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 5, 1819 Chautauqua County, New York |
| Died | April 4, 1900 (aged 80) Chico, California |
| Political party |
Democratic Party, Republican Party, Anti-Monopoly Party, Prohibition Party |
| Spouse(s) | Annie Bidwell |
| Residence |
Bidwell Mansion, Chico, California |
| Alma mater | Kingsville Academy |
| Occupation | farmer, soldier, gold miner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
United States California Republic |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General
|
| Unit | Battalion of California Volunteers |
| Battles/wars |
Mexican–American War Bear Flag Revolt |
John Bidwell (August 5, 1819 – April 4, 1900) was known throughout California and across the nation as an important pioneer, farmer, soldier, statesman, politician, prohibitionist and philanthropist. He is famous for leading one of the first emigrant parties, known as the Bartleson–Bidwell Party, along the California Trail, and for founding Chico, California. He also traveled to Washington DC to ask Abraham Lincoln to sign documents to incorporate California as a state of the United States.
Bidwell was born in Chautauqua County, New York. The Bidwell family was originally from England and came to America in the colonial era. The Bidwell family moved to Erie, Pennsylvania in 1829, and then to Ashtabula County, Ohio in 1831. At age 17, he attended and shortly thereafter became Principal of Kingsville Academy.
In 1841 Bidwell became one of the first emigrants on the California Trail. John Sutter employed Bidwell as his business manager shortly after Bidwell's arrival in California. Shortly after the James W. Marshall's discovery at Sutter's Mill, Bidwell also discovered gold on the Feather River establishing a productive claim at Bidwell Bar in advance of the California Gold Rush. Bidwell obtained the four square league Rancho Los Ulpinos land grant after being naturalized as a Mexican citizen in 1844, and the two square league Rancho Colus grant on the Sacramento River in 1845; later selling that grant and buying Rancho Arroyo Chico on Chico Creek to establish a ranch and farm.
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